Business Jet Review: Challenger 300 Is Putting the 'Super' In The Super Midsize Jet Category

The Challenger 300 was first announced as the Continental, which referenced its transcontinental range. The aircraft was later renamed as part of the successful “Challenger” series as the less expensive version of the popular large-cabin Challenger 604.

In the late 1990s there was a large gap between midsize category aircraft and the entry level large jets. Only one aircraft type fell in between, but that jet’s operating costs were as high as the entry-level, large-cabin jets. That's where Bombardier saw opportunity.

While the Challenger 300 was not the first super-midsize jet, it has dominated the category since it was first delivered in 2004. To date, Bombardier has delivered over 350 Challenger 300s, which is the more than any other jet in the in the midsize classification. Typically, delivering the most of a certain aircraft puts downward pressure on residual values, but not so with the Challenger 300. In fact, it maintains the highest residual values in its category by 10-30%. Currently there are only 23 Challenger 300s listed for sale, which is about six percent of the fleet. The remainder of the business jet fleet currently has 11.8% listed for sale.

Why Is the Challenger 300 So Dominant?

The cabin on this Challenger is exceptional. It has a very large volume (860 cu ft) and a flat floor that can seat ten passengers. Seating arrangements include a side-facing divan and the cabin can easily accommodate two club-seating arrangements (four seats in each). The cabin height is over six feet high and seven feet wide. The baggage volume at 106 cu ft, can handle up to 66 standard carry-on bags.

Performance

The range on the Challenger 300 is in excess of 3,200 nautical miles, which means the aircraft, in virtually all cases, can fly non-stop across the United States in either direction including flying westbound against headwinds. This is a critically important attribute. Many companies were forced to buy much larger, more expensive aircraft to fly from Boston to San Diego with normal passenger loads. The Challenger 300 can fly those trips without the costs associated with much larger jets.

The aircraft's cruising speed at over 525 miles per hour is excellent. In addition, its runway performance at sea level is very good, but in difficult mountainous airports, the Challenger 300 beats most of the competition.

Summary

Over the past nine years, the Challenger 300 has been the best aircraft in its class. Productions rates for new Challengers combined with the high residual values for pre-owned models show that the market agrees. The future will be interesting, however. The super-midsize category is becoming very competitive. One manufacturer is building a smaller, highly efficient, lower-cost follow-on to its highly successful large cabin jet, and another competitor redesigned their own popular midsize aircraft in order to offer increased speed, range and performance. Even as these new competitors attempt to win market share, however, it is my view that the Challenger 300 will continue to be an excellent choice.

My aviation experience began in 1992. After receiving my MBA from Bentley University in 1995 and completing flight training, I joined Hawker Beechcraft Company (HBC) in Wichita, KS. At HBC, I was quickly promoted from market research analyst to trade analyst. Then I was ask...